I've recently been diagnosed with whole brain seizures, so I thought I'd better start using my CPAP machine.  We moved last year, so it's been packed away.  I got it all set-up and ready to go, then realized I cannot for the life of me remember how to breathe with the mask on!  I know this sounds like a stupid question, but do I breathe in AND out thru the mask?  I have the gel mask that fits only on your nose.  I've been practicing breathing in thru my nose and out thru my mouth.  That can't be right.  I was reading the instructions for the nasal fit tube thingie [accidentally placed int he box with my mask instead of the instructions for mine] and its instructions say that if you breathe in and out thru your nose, you can die.  So, I'm afraid I'll go to sleep and do that with my mask on.

Please help.

In and out through the mask.  Your mouth needs to stay closed. with no air escaping through yout mouth.

Thank you ever so much!  I feel so dumb.

Hey! DON'T feel dumb. There is so darn much info shoved at you so fast when you first get started w/this CPAP bit and then if you didn't use it as you should have for so long .... except doggone if I can figure out where you really read, "if you breathe in and out thru your nose, you can die."

Most of us do virtually ALL of our breathing, in and out, thru our nose, even during the daytime as well as at night. Unless you have a full face mask you DO NOT WANT to breathe, in or out, thru your mouth! That is defeating the entire purpose of CPAP therapy! Air going out your mouth is NOT going down your airway to keep it open.

Just relax and breathe naturally thru your nose w/your mask on. UNLESS you have a full face mask (one that covers your nose AND your mouth), if you have a full face mask THEN, yes, you can breathe thru either your nose or your mouth, or both, whichever suits your fancy.


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